take issue with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take issue with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disagreement with a statement or opinion. For example, "I take issue with the idea that we should cut spending on education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I take issue with that statement.

The New York Times - Food

One could take issue with this approach.

The New York Times

But I take issue with his analysis.

The New York Times

That's what I take issue with.

Independent

I take issue with Mr. Nocera's column.

The New York Times

Many may take issue with such zeal.

The New York Times

I take issue with this conclusion.

The Guardian

But I'd take issue with that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Supporters take issue with that view.

The New York Times

We strongly take issue with this characterization.

The New York Times

I take issue with that description.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take issue with" when you want to express disagreement in a polite yet firm manner, often in response to a specific statement or idea. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure that "with" is always included after "take issue". Saying "take issue to" or "take issue at" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take issue with" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase used to express disagreement or opposition to a statement, idea, or action. It softens the act of disagreeing, as Ludwig AI confirms, making it a versatile tool for expressing nuanced opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take issue with" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase to express disagreement or opposition to a statement or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's generally considered more formal than simply "disagreeing", it provides a polite yet firm way to voice objections. Alternatives include "object to", "challenge", and "dispute", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure correct prepositional usage (i.e., "with") to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagree with

Directly expresses a difference in opinion, less idiomatic than "take issue with".

object to

Indicates a formal disapproval or opposition to something.

raise objections

Highlights the act of voicing concerns or disagreements.

challenge

Suggests a more confrontational disagreement, implying a questioning of validity.

beg to differ

Politely indicates disagreement, often used in formal settings.

dispute

Implies a formal argument or debate about the validity of something.

call into question

Implies a formal questioning of the reliability or validity of something.

question

Expresses doubt or uncertainty about something.

not be in agreement with

A formal and somewhat indirect way of stating disagreement.

express dissent

Formally conveys disagreement, suitable for professional contexts.

FAQs

What does "take issue with" mean?

The phrase "take issue with" means to disagree with something and express that disagreement, often by raising objections or counterarguments.

How can I use "take issue with" in a sentence?

You can use "take issue with" to express disagreement with a statement or opinion. For example, "I "take issue with" the claim that all cats are aloof."

What are some alternatives to "take issue with"?

Alternatives to "take issue with" include phrases like "disagree with", "object to", or "challenge", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it more formal to "take issue with" something, or simply "disagree with" it?

"Take issue with" is generally considered more formal than simply saying "disagree with". The former implies a more considered and potentially public disagreement.